Mizzou was proud to welcome leaders from across government and industry for the Missouri Nuclear Summit. Thanks to the support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer – Missouri was one of just seven states selected by the National Governors Association and the U.S. Department of Energy to host a state-level summit to support nuclear innovation.

I enjoyed greeting a large crowd at the Missouri Theatre, alongside Governor Kehoe, Director Schaefer and Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Energy Grid Deployment Office Joe Alexander. Key topics included the importance of growing energy production and its vital impact on economic development and national security. Throughout the day, world-class speakers, such as previous President’s Distinguished Lecturer Craig Piercy, shared the incredible opportunities for nuclear energy in our state, including the role of institutions like Mizzou to train the next generation of leaders in the field.

Mizzou has championed nuclear discovery and excellence for almost 60 years. Our reactor, known as MURR, is the most powerful university research reactor in the country and the sole supplier of four medical isotopes to treat thyroid, liver, pancreatic and prostate cancers. We’ve also announced a working group to support an even more powerful research reactor, NextGen MURR.

Nuclear science plays an important role in advancing both energy production and medical breakthroughs – and Mizzou is ready to lead the way. We’re grateful for our many partners across the state and nation who are ready to secure Missouri’s nuclear future for generations.

— Mun